Snapshot:
Residents (frequently called ‘09ers for the 78209 zip code they live in) in this tony little neighborhood take great pride in their community, with its stately oak trees and unique residential architecture. There are no "cookie cutters" here. You can find a small cottage nesting side by side with a large manor house in Alamo Heights.

Development began before the turn of the century, but was slow to take shape until the advent of the automobile. The result is a neighborhood that feels like an intimate village, where residents can live, work and play all within a short distance. Ironically, this old-fashioned style is coming back into vogue and has been recreated within many modern developments. But Alamo Heights residents will tell you there's nothing quite like the real thing.

Eat, Shop, Play:
Alamo Heights boasts a wide variety of shops and eateries, particularly along Broadway Street. From the historic Broadway 50/50 Diner, to newer additions like L'Etoile and Paloma Blanca, there's a tasty option for every palette. The local Central Market makes grocery shopping fun, offering a fine selection of fresh produce and gourmet cheeses. There is also a specialty meat shop called Coopers Meat Market that will set you up with prime cuts in a jiffy.

For those who prefer to shop outside of big box malls, Alamo Heights is a boutique shopper's dream. There are quaint gift shops such as sloan/hall and Nomadic Notions, and specialty book sellers like Cheever books that can help you hunt down a hard-to-find tome.

And if it's culture and arts you seek, this neighborhood delivers in that department, too. The McNay and Witte museums house contemporary and classic art, and the beautiful campuses of the University of the Incarnate Word and Trinity University are just a short walk away.

Alamo Heights is an established historic neighborhood with a lot of personality deep in the heart of Texas.

The Numbers:

• Established: 1922
• Population: 7,000
• Who lives there: Alamo Heights residents run the gamut from students at the local universities to retirees, but the demographics generally skew toward young families. The average age of ‘09ers is 40.
• Average Home Size: 2,600 square feet
• Current Median Home Price: $481,500

The Location: 6 miles north of downtown San Antonio